Mani Pedi: Essie Mesmerize

i'm in a blue kinda mood and this cobalt color polish is right on point!  i have had such a fun time wearing it again.  though i bought ages ago, it has been a while since i put it on.  this Essie color is from an older polish trend but it is still current and vibrantly fresh.  


though i love the shade of blue as is, i am still pining for a blue that has a bit more purple in it.  if you know of one, please do share!!  the other color i'm searching for is a neon red -like infrared.  i've seen this on someone and it looks so cool!  if you spot this color anywhere, let me know too! :)  even though we wear bright colors all year round, there's something about combining bright nails and sunshine that makes me happy.  maybe it's because i start thinking about the beach and tanning. ...and that makes me REALLY happy!!

PFMs in the Kitchen: Grilled Goat Cheese & Olive Quesadillas

 Summertime, and the livin's easy...for a Memorial Day backyard BBQ I went the simple route with a vegetarian dish that could be prepped in advance and grilled in foil. I'm definitely not the only one who likes to put food in foil to steer clear of meat juices; or maybe you just stake claim on a "meat-free" area of the grill? Haha. Inspiration for the recipe hit in the form of a new book that I'm reading (it's awesome, more on that later) Crazy Sexy Diet. My quesadilla variation is not dairy-free, but it's still healthy and indulgent. I especially love me some goat cheese combined with fresh tomatoes! I've included the original option* below for filling which is cheese-free...you can choose based on your dietary preference. This recipe serves 6-12, perfect for that 4th of July party you're planning! 

You need:

 6 large flour tortillas

10 ounces goat cheese

2 large yellow onions

3 tbsp olive oil

3 large tomatoes

 kalamata olives, (9 olives per tortilla) pitted & halved

How to:

1. Slice the onions thin and caramelize them in the olive oil. If you want to save time- do this in advance, put them in a bowl to cool, then cover and keep at room temp until needed.

2. Lay a large sheet of heavy-duty foil on a flat surface. Put the tortilla in the center of the foil. Spread cheese on one half of the tortilla. Add the onions, tomatoes, and olives evenly. 

3. Fold the tortilla over in half.  Then bring the short ends of the foil together and fold twice to seal. Fold in the sides to seal around the tortilla, leaving room for steam. 

4. Grill over medium heat, turning once, about 5 minutes total. It should be golden and crispy. 

Be prepared for instant obsession...I found myself making these again the next day!

*dairy-free filling (a la Crazy Sexy Diet book) serves 1-2

1 large flour tortilla

4 ounces Follow Your Heart vegan cheese or Daiya cheese

3 ounces carmelized onions

2 ounces roasted red peppers

8 kalamata olives, halved

Daily Outfit: Laced in Violets

who says lace is just for streetwalkers??!!  i love the fact that lace was recently reclaimed by the fashion world and made to be classic and edgy! that was my goal for this outfit.  though many have put their lace tights away, i am still loving mine.  they were the perfect addition to add edge and coverage to make these cute floral-print vintage shorts office ready.  is this your average office attire? well...no. ...but you should know by now that my style choices are anything but average lol.  ... and i would totally do it again!

(Tuxedo blazer - Kenneth Cole, Violet Ruffle shirt - Forever 21, Floral-print Shorts - Vintage Ann Taylor, Lace Tights - Hue, Stud Cuff - Matt Bernson, Mocassins - Minnetonka, Lightcatchers in Violet - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Maxi Layering

Last Saturday ended up being the perfect day for wine-tasting outdoors...and this long weekend wasn't too shabby either! This is the kind of weather for grilling and hanging out in the sun, which is exactly what I chose to do. I even made it to the beach (twice, yay!) A jersey maxi dress is my summer weekend staple. This faded black one is a blank canvas waiting to be dressed up or down with different accessories and shoes. Besides pairing it with a denim shirt and yellow 'n green accents for my trip to the vineyards, I've thrown it on over a bathing suit for the beach, and dressed it up at night with a neon pink belt and strappy wedges. What's your essential weekend staple during the summer? Happy Memorial Day friends!

(Shirt- J.Crew, Maxi- J.Crew similar, Belt- Gap, Sandals- Sam Edelman, Bag- J.Crew, Hat- Forever 21 similar, Olive/Green/Neon Elliptical Earrings- MavenFresh)

PFM Obsession: J. Crew Love

i have always had a love for J.Crew clothing.  while i am far from the average J.Crew client, they have such great, timeless separates that can be incorporated into any wardrobe! 

they recently sent me their latest "Style Guide" (Becca and i love that name) and it had me drooling all the way through!! it was total eye candy from start to finish.  above are some of my favorite picks from the new season's arrivals:

1. you know how much i love bags! a little purse in this fab color would make the perfect accent for a night out.

2. belts, belts, belts! these simple accents are a great way to add a pop of color, especially neon, to an otherwise drab outfit! the problem is choosing only one!

3. *gasp, i looooooove this skirt!!  mixing sequins with colorblocking - totally hard to go wrong!

4. this is a great blazer - perfect for chilly nights or another layer at work.  i would wear this with a white tee and some printed denim.

5. how exciting that it's the time of year to think about being at the beach!! i adore the color and shape of this maillot but is this a swimsuit or a leotard?!  either way, look fabulous on the beach then throw on some shorts and sandals for dinner with friends!

6. the utility pant is so comfortable and the perfect staple in any wardrobe.  make it hot pink and you've just stepped up the game!

7. i love this pair of bright colored skinnies! i have so many ideas for how to wear these...

8. sigh, yes, another bag, but, it's the color that makes this bag droolable (is that a word?? lol).

9. i've been having so much fun wearing shorts.  paired with tights or leggings or bare-legged, this printed pair would be the starting point for great outfits.

10. this is a super cute maxi skirt.  i would want to add both this pretty deep blue or the turquoise version to my collection.

alas, my list could have gone on forever!! this is just a taste of some of my faves.  Becca and i drool over J. Crew items all the time.  if only we could have them all!! hey, a girl could dream! :)

Have a great holiday weekend!!

PFMs Do It Better: Fighting Frizz!

Do you fear frizz and bad hair days? Are you tired of the rainy humid weather that we've been having for the past two weeks? Ladies (and gents) you are not alone...I give you two solutions for fighting frizz: my savior and my go-to.

 

Lately I've been getting well acquainted with Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray. I discovered this stuff during my trip to the Whittemore House Salon. The stylists are big fans of this line over there, and now I'm addicted too! This spray is perfect for keeping my fringe under control- a major plus for us gals with bangs. So far I've put a few different hairstyles to the test (loose natural waves, messy side bun, and a deep side sweep with flat iron) that ended up staying relatively frizz-free and not at all greasy. Yay! I highly recommend it although a bit pricey. You won't really be using this every day,  just as your savior from heat and humidity...boy do I see a bunch of those days in our near future.

When in doubt this spring and summer, grab a silk scarf and tie it around your head into a bow or wrap it turban-style. A bright color and pretty print will step up your outfit and let you embrace any unsightly frizz. Simple as that. My go-to collection of vintage silk scarves keeps growing every year. But I don't have a polka dot version just yet...!!!

So what do you use for frizz protection?

Mani Pedi: Color Club Warhol

it's been quite a while since i've posted a mani pedi post.  honestly, maybe due to lack of time, energy or plain state of mind, i haven't had the desire to do my nails.  that means i was rocking the original nude color - naked lol.   just like anything, it's good to take a break and allow for time for healing.  i let my nails breathe for two-three weeks without any color (not my toes though, no color on my toes makes me sad lol).  ...and i was happy with that.  now i'm back in the game with this eye-popping shade of pink. ... or is it red?  this polish from Color Club's Neon collection, called Warhol, is what i'd call neon raspberry - so a little bit pink and a little bit red.  though bright colors are hard to maintain on the nails, they are sooo fun!!!  it's the perfect way to bring in the warm weather!!  YAYY!! :)

(Maci Dress - Ashaka Givens, Denim Jacket - Hollister Co., Crystal Twosome ring - Erica Anenberg, Cowrie Cuff - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Girly Boyjeans

  

Is this title considered an oxymoron? It's definitely contradictory, but let me tell you- opposites attract when it comes to fashion. So I paired my slouchy torn boyfriend jeans with gold metallic mary janes and a drapey sweatshirt...that just happened to have a huge bow (of course!) How comfortable, fun, and very much me.

(Jeans- Current Elliott, Top- Forever 21 similar, Moon-Glow Mary Jane Pumps- Anthropologie, Pink Neon Watch- Shopbop, Glass Ring and Gold Bracelet- Vintage, Lips- Makeup Forever #37, Twigs & Berries Earrings- MavenFresh)

PFMs in the Kitchen: Garlic Sauteed Broccoli Rabe and Mashed Sweet Potatoes

one of the things that i love more than really good food, is simple really good food! i cook for 5 on any given night so i am always looking for recipes that yield a good amount but won't keep me in the kitchen for hours.  i must admit, most of the time i don't cook from recipes.  i've been (really) cooking for over 13 years so most of my meals come out of pure creative inspiration.  i will go into the market and say, "hmmm, these seem like they will go together well." ...and that's how my meal starts!

this is one of the simplest meals you could come by but it is filling and really yummy because simple doesn't equal tasteless.  it is literally just like the name - broccoli rabe and sweet potatoes with a little extra added in.  this recipe serves 4 with lunch leftovers (yaayy - who doesn't love that).


You'll need:
2 bunches broccoli rabe
6 cloves garlic, chopped
4T cooking oil of your choice*
Large pot for blanching
21 Seasoning Salute from Trader Joe's**
sea salt to taste


3lbs sweet potatoes
1/3 cup vegan butter


How to:
Put the sweet potatoes on to boil.  Put on the large pot filled with water to boil.  Wash and chop the broccoli rabe and, once the water in the pot has boiled, turn off the flame and blanch the broccoli rabe for two minutes.  Pour off the water and drain the the broccoli rabe in a strainer.  


In a skillet, on medium high heat, heat the oil and saute the garlic.  Add the broccoli rabe and saute for about 5 minutes.  Add seasonings to taste.  Turn down the heat, cover and simmer for another 5-7 minutes.  Check it to be sure it has steamed enough then turn off heat and leave it covered.  


Once the sweet potatoes are boiled (about 20-30 minutes depending on how large they are -you can use the good ol' fork test to see if they are ready).  Peel the skin and put the potatoes in a large bowl.  Mash them with a potato masher or, like back in the day, a large fork.  Add the vegan butter and stir potatoes to be sure that it is distributed evenly.  


That's it!!  All you need is a salad to complete the meal. 


Approximate prep time: 30 min
Cooking time: 30 min


* I prefer extra virgin coconut oil - it makes veggies taste out of this world.  Coconut oil maintains its chemical composition at high heat to help you avoid the carcinogens that are produced by other oils.  i suggest you read up on oils and what is good for what.  Check out this site for more info and a cool cheat sheet on how to use oils.


** Like I mentioned, I'm a simple cook.  While I do appreciate the different tastes that each herb/spice adds, sometimes life (and pockets) don't allow for a wide range on hand.  The 21 Seasoning Salute from Trader Joe's is a great all-purpose seasoning that is easy to have on hand and has a nice blend of herbs and spices.

PFMs on the Town: Happy Weekend!

photo by PSV

I'm ready for the weekend to begin! Tomorrow we are heading out east once again to the North Fork wineries with some close friends and family...we've had this planned for a while and I'm so glad the weather is looking fantastic for the occasion. Yay! I can't wait to relax and soak up some rays with people I love. Here's the rundown of our fave vineyards on Long Island, in no particular order: Bedell, Borghese, Paumanok, and Jamesport. There's more where these came from...so don't hesitate to ask if you live in the area and you're interested in planning a trip out there.  With that, I wanted to share a couple of links that have inspired me lately. 

Love these hairstyle ideas...being that I have lots 'o hair I'm the perfect candidate...just gotta make some extra time for beauty!

Spring & summer perfection in a dress. If this dress was in my closet I would definitely be styling it up tomorrow for wine-tasting.

This book is on it's way to me, I can't wait to dive in. My body is telling me to up the juice and veggie intake...and I'm listening.

Now I am officially unplugging from the computer to spend time in the great outdoors. Hope you enjoy your weekend too!

PFMs Music Corner: Donna Summer - Queen of the Dance

Donna Summer - Queen of the Disco (photo  courtesy of MTV)

unbelievably, today we lost another great in music.  Donna Summer lost her battle with cancer today at age 63. it truly caught me off guard when i heard the news, via twitter feed.  what??! Donna Summer dead??! most people i know had the same reaction.  we didn't even know she was battling cancer.  reports i've read say she died specifically of breast cancer.  knowing full well that cancer is cancer, but, of all the cancers, i thought doctors and science had made leaps and bounds as far as breast cancer goes -- with early detection and treatments.  i didn't think dying of breast cancer was something that happened nowadays.  obviously, i was wrong.  she had such swag - an original disco diva who had the hits to match.  i was truly sorry to hear that she had passed.  

though i'm familiar with many of her popular hits (Bad Girls, Last Dance, She Works Hard for The Money, Love to Love You Baby, Hot Stuff), i am looking forward to really discovering all of her music.  it's time to play her songs and honor her spirit for all the joy and dance she has brought to us all.  i'm going to start by watching Thank God It's Friday on BounceTV this Friday night at 8pm (Donna starred in the movie!! check your cable listings for the channel - it's 476 for FIOS customers).   it will be an excuse to watch some good fashion as well as honor a legacy.  RIP Donna Summer.

Daily Outfit: Garden Party in the Rain

This gloomy day became a bit brighter thanks to my floral gams! Last seen here, these jeans are officially on heavy wardrobe rotation. Oooh, can I tell you a little story about the jacket that almost wasn't? Before I could overpay mindlessly on eBay in an attempt to score this sold-out jacket, Zara ended up restocking it online. Yay! I've worn it countless times since it showed up at my doorstep. I can't resist safari styling with leather sleeves...meanwhile this piece has replaced my classic trench in rain or shine! Spring staples are something to get excited about, don't you think?

(Safari Jacket- Zara, Garden Party Jeans- Shopbop, Drapey Tank- Anthropologie similar, Silk Blazer- J.Crew similar, Flats- BCBG similar, Gold Shoulder Strands- MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Sun Spots

this weekend, my sister dubbed me the leggings queen.  when she said it, i thought it was the perfect title lol!  though i don't have tons of leggings, i do have quite a few and they are, by far, the most comfortable thing you can put on for any activity.  while my usual choice has been leggings in bright colors, printed leggings have recently won over my heart!  they bring a bit of the unexpected to any outfit!

i was seeing spots when i chose to wear this pair.  i usually love to style them with a bright tunic top but today i chose to bring in color by wearing my sunshine-inspired lightcatchers and bright pink lips!  how fun!  

whether you wear printed leggings or denim, this trend is right on target! love it!

(Blazer - Vintage Tahari, Tunic - Victoria Secret, Glitter skinny belt - similar J. Crew , Printed leggings - H&M (similar), Biker booties - MIA, Lightcatchers in Mango - MavenFresh)

PFMs in the Kitchen: Pasta & Kale Casserole

A girl's gotta spice things up when her Italian hubby has tried just about every pasta dish under the sun. This casserole is a yummy combo of pasta, vegetables, and nutty-flavored cheese. Comfort food at its most delicious. I guess you could also call this a bake...but I liked the alliteration!

bowl 'o shallots

You need:

3 cups kale (leaves only, remove from stems)

3 potatoes, cubed

1 1/2 cups spiral pasta

1 shallot, sliced

1 large yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp caraway seeds

2/3 cup vegetable stock

3/4 cup Manchego cheese, thinly sliced or diced

3 tablespoons breadcrumbs

sea salt & black pepper

How to:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, and grease a deep baking dish with the olive oil. Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for about 10 minutes until tender. Drain them and put them aside. 

At the same time I cooked the pasta in boiling salted water, according to the packet instructions until al dente. Add the kale in for the last 2 minutes of cooking time. Drain, then rinse well under cold water. 

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large heavy frying pan and fry the onions and shallots for about 15 minutes on continuous low heat. They will be soft, sweet, and tasty! Add garlic and cook 3 minutes more. Stir in the spices and cook for one minute. Add the potatoes, pasta, and kale, and mix to combine, then season with salt & pepper. Spoon everything into the baking dish. Pour the stock over it all, then sprinkle with the cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling here and there.

Happy Monday, my friends!

PFMs Do It Better: MF on Instagram!!

The PFMs have now added another fun way to follow us!  Check us out on Instagram to see life thru our lens! Like us, follow us! How exciting!!!

Daily Outfit: Floral Denim Theory

Hmmm...pants that look like leggings but are actually skinny denim, and match about a hundred items I already own...I just had to make them mine. Depending on the print, floral denim can be both girly and edgy. Although it's kind of hard to find both of those attributes in one pair of jeans, it seems the Garden Party print is where it's at! Lately I've had floral denim on my mind...so after looking over several contenders it was hard to pick just one. It helps to go with the old trusted rule of closet theory: if the item in question matches at least 5 pieces in your current wardrobe, it's a safe purchase. Now I didn't say I swear by this rule, but I do try pretty hard to follow it. These are fun jeans that I can live in, so be prepared to see much more of them other than just on this particularly windy day! Are you currently craving a floral denim print...what's your favorite pair? 

(Jeans- Shopbop, Cardigan- Forever 21, Top- Anthropologie similar, Boots- Zara, Peacock Fanfare Earrings- MavenFresh, Pink Neon Watch- Shopbop)

PFM Obsession: Rose Gold Love

Becca isn't the only one who found a new bag love!  sooo around every mother's day, i get a fabulous bag that is a thank u to me for working so hard as a mommy club member.  this year, with soooo many bag crushes it was totally hard to decide but when i found this baby (which i had been stalking but couldn't find anywhere), it was an instant gotta-have-it moment!! meet the Rebecca Minkoff Circle Quilt Affair Bag with *gasp* rose gold hardware!! if you've been reading our blog, you will know that i have a current obsession (lol, notice i said current) with rose gold hardware (see here) - especially when paired with black leather!  though, like Becca, i love a bright bag, with this bag, i felt the need to tone down the color but up the ante in edge!!  it fits right in with my new angle on style.  lately i've been describing my outfits as classic edgy and this new mama jama fits right in line!

(Strong Shoulder Biker Leather - Urbancode from Asos.com, Sequin tank - J.Crew, Dark Skinnies - Uniqlo, Boots - Fergie, Leopard Print scarf (seen as headwrap) - Zara,  Gold Mesh Necklace - Vintage Whiting & Davis)